South Australian-born craft beer giant Pirate Life has set its sights on Melbourne.

It’s been announced that, in mid-2023, the brewery will open its first Melbourne taproom – not far from South Melbourne Market in a former mechanic’s garage.

This is the fourth location for the burgeoning beer brand, which Michael Cameron, Jack Cameron and Jared Proudfoot established in Adelaide in 2014, after relocating from WA. They’ve gone on to open two locations in Adelaide – in Port Adelaide and the CBD – and one in Perth. And in 2017, they sold to the world’s largest brewing company, AB InBev.

“We’ve been long-time admirers of Melbourne’s hospitality scene and Pirate Life’s new venue in South Melbourne finally gives us a chance to be part of it,” co-founder Jack Cameron said in a statement.

“The core range (including pales, IPAs and stouts) will fly the flag, while limited releases will be interchanged regularly to keep punters entertained … expect fruit sours, barrel-aged imperials, and a cheeky nitro or two.”

Food-wise, “We envisage a rotational menu that explores the diversity of our neighbouring local market stalls,” Cameron said. “We love cooking over fire, so anticipate charred goodness.”

The fit-out, by leading SA architect and interior designer Studio Gram, will lean into the site’s history, with industrial-cool finishes and polished concrete floors.

Pirate Life is slated to open in South Melbourne in mid-2023.

piratelife.com.au